Saying Younghoe Koo’s Name and the Story Behind It

Saying Younghoe Koo’s Name and the Story Behind It

Saying Younghoe Koo’s Name and the Story Behind It

Let’s talk about New York Giants kicker Younghoe Koo — not just about his performance on the field, but also about something fans still ask all the time: How do you actually say his name? It’s one of those questions that pops up every season, especially now that he’s taken over kicking duties for the Giants after years of being known as the Atlanta Falcons’ reliable specialist.

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So here’s the clear, simple pronunciation: his first name is said YOUNG-hweh . Think of it as saying “young” and “way” together, but with a soft “h” sliding into the second syllable. It’s quick, smooth, and once you hear it the first time, it sticks. His last name, “Koo,” is exactly what you think — like the gentle “coo” sound a bird makes. And in Korean, his name is written 구영회 , which transliterates to Gu Yeonghoe in the standard Romanization system.

Koo’s journey to the NFL wasn’t a straight line, either. He was born in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to the United States when he was in sixth grade. That transition was a big one, but sports quickly became one of the ways he adapted to life in New Jersey. He went to Ridgewood High School, where he didn’t just kick — he actually played defensive back, finishing his senior year with six interceptions. That athletic range showed early on that he wasn’t just a one-skill specialist.

His college career took shape at Georgia Southern University, where he truly found his stride. In his final year, he earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors after making an impressive 19 out of 20 field goals. That accuracy laid the foundation for the NFL career he has now — one built on consistency, calm under pressure, and those clutch kicks that fans remember.

And speaking of clutch performances, Koo has been quietly dependable for the Giants in recent weeks. In their Week 12 game against the Lions, he went a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals and hit all three of his extra-point attempts, finishing with nine points. Even though the Giants ultimately lost 34–27, his reliability stood out. Fantasy managers have noticed, too — he has reached eight or more points in two of his last three games. Still, he’s considered a bit of a risky play simply because the Giants’ offense doesn’t always give him steady opportunities.

As he heads into Week 13 against the Patriots, fans will be watching not only for those important field goals, but maybe also saying his name correctly for the first time. After all, now that you know how to pronounce it — Young-hweh Koo — it feels a lot more natural.

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